Tips for Selecting a Reputable and Experienced

Asphalt Contractor

 

If you have ever needed to locate an asphalt contractor or paving company in your area, then you have probably entered “paving companies near me” into your internet search engine, yielding several results. But do you know what to look for when deciding on the paving companies you can trust to get your project done right? Here are some things to be aware of when choosing between asphalt paving contractors.

Reviews and Social Media Content

In today’s world there is so much information, literally at our fingertips. Not only can you instantly search for paving near me, but you can also read firsthand experiences from other customers and access real time videos, pictures and content about those paving companies. This is probably the most important tool you have when choosing which paving contractor is the right fit for you. Take time to read the reviews and scroll the posts on social media. Look for asphalt companies that have content of their work posted on platforms such as TikTok, Instagram or YouTube. This also helps the customer get to know who they will be hiring, which leads to the next tip in selecting a reputable and experienced asphalt paving contractor.

 

Initial On-Site Meeting

One of the best ways to know if a paving contractor is going to be a good fit for your project is to put a face to the company. Beware of paving companies that try to give you a bid over the phone without coming out to visit the project site in-person. Not only is this important for getting an accurate quote, but it also allows you to better gauge the asphalt contractor’s confidence and determine that they are in fact competent to do the scope of work that is required.

 

Properly Insured

When searching for asphalt companies near me, make sure the company you choose has all the proper insurance and certifications necessary to operate safely and effectively. You can confirm this by simply requesting a copy of the asphalt paving company’s COI (Certificate of Insurance). In the state of Colorado, licensing for paving contractors varies by municipality. You can check with your local city and county agency to verify a paving contractor in your area.

 

If You Want the Best, Choose the Best

If you follow these tips, you will be able to save yourself a lot of headaches that can arise from hiring inexperienced and unprofessional paving contractors. If you are in need of an asphalt contractor and you want the job done right and done right the first time, call M5 Paving, one of the most trusted and professional paving companies in Colorado.

HISTORY OF ASPHALT PAVING

Believe it or not, the history of asphalt paving dates back to 625 B.C. in Babylon. During this early era, asphalt was primarily used for waterproofing structures. The Romans found natural asphalt valuable for sealing their baths, reservoirs, and aqueducts, aligning with the Greek meaning of asphaltos, meaning “secure” or aspahles, meaning “firm, immovable.” Later, others used it for caulking boats and ships.

 

ASPHALT FOR ROADS

The use of asphalt for road construction began in the early 1800s in Europe. According to the Virginia Asphalt Association, the first “true sheet of asphalt pavement” in the United States appeared in 1870 in Newark, New Jersey. Belgian-American Edmund de Smedt invented the first material for asphalt paving and filed a patent using natural bitumen from West Virginia. After an initial failure, de Smedt reformulated the material using high-quality bitumen from Pitch Lake in Trinidad, successfully paving 5th Avenue in New York and Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington D.C.

 

THE GROWTH OF ASPHALT PAVING

As automobile use increased, so did the demand for higher quality paved roads and stronger landing strips for military aircraft. This demand led to improvements in the formulation and application of asphalt, including combining bitumen with aggregate and incorporating petroleum. The introduction of sealcoating and crack sealing further enhanced the longevity of roads, reducing the frequency of asphalt repairs.

 

ASPHALT TODAY

Today, roughly 70% of the world’s roads and highways are made with asphalt, making it the most recycled material on earth. Most asphalt companies offer an array not limited to just asphalt paving. M5 Paving provides sealcoating, line stripping, asphalt repair, and concrete pavement repair. If you’re in the greater Denver Metro area and you or someone you know has ever asked if there are any “reputable asphalt paving companies in my area?” then look no further. Contact an M5 team member for a hassle-free quote today.

Winter in Denver can be harsh, with fluctuating temperatures, snow, and ice taking a toll on asphalt surfaces. Proper maintenance during the winter months is crucial to extend the life of your pavement and avoid costly repairs come spring.

 

1. Regular Snow and Ice Removal

Snow and ice can cause significant damage to asphalt if not properly managed. It’s essential to clear snow regularly using a snowplow or snow blower, but be cautious not to scrape the surface too hard, as this can damage the asphalt. For ice, avoid using harsh chemicals like rock salt, which can corrode the surface. Instead, opt for calcium chloride or magnesium chloride, which are less damaging to asphalt.

 

2. Seal Cracks Before the First Snow

Cracks in your asphalt can quickly worsen during the winter due to the freeze-thaw cycle. Water seeps into cracks, freezes, and expands, causing the cracks to widen. Before the first snow, inspect your asphalt for any cracks and seal them using a high-quality crack filler. This simple step can prevent small cracks from becoming large, costly problems.

“One of the most critical steps in winter asphalt maintenance is sealing cracks before the cold sets in. The freeze-thaw cycle in Denver’s winter can turn small cracks into major issues, leading to expensive repairs if not addressed early.”

 

3. Keep the Surface Clean

Debris, such as leaves, dirt, and gravel, can trap moisture on your asphalt, leading to surface damage over time. Regularly sweep your asphalt surface to remove debris, especially before a snowstorm. A clean surface is less likely to experience damage during the winter months.

 

4. Apply a Winter-Grade Sealant

Sealcoating provides a protective layer against moisture and chemicals. If you haven’t already, consider applying a winter-grade sealant to your asphalt. These sealants are designed to withstand the cold temperatures and harsh conditions of Denver’s winter, providing an extra layer of protection against the elements.

 

5. Monitor Drainage

Proper drainage is essential to prevent water from pooling on your asphalt surface. Standing water can seep into the pavement and cause damage during freezing temperatures. Ensure that your drainage systems are functioning correctly and that water is directed away from your asphalt.

 

6. Schedule Regular Inspections

Regular inspections during the winter months can help you catch any issues early. Look for signs of cracking, potholes, or other damage that might need immediate attention. Addressing these problems promptly can save you money and extend the life of your asphalt.

By following these winter asphalt maintenance tips, you can protect your pavement from Denver’s harsh winter conditions and ensure it remains in good shape for years to come. Proper care now will pay off when spring arrives, helping you avoid costly repairs and extend the life of your asphalt.

 

How do Weather Conditions Affect the Paving Process?

Often, mother nature can be unpredictable, which can make it challenging to schedule a paving project with an exact start and completion date. When planning any paving project, it’s important that your contractor is mindful of the weather on the days the work is taking place. Whether it’s concrete paving repair, asphalt paving or having a parking lot striped, certain weather conditions can negatively impact the final result of the project.

 

Can Paving be Done When it’s Raining?

The short answer is “No.” Rain is one of the most destructive weather conditions to the paving process. Even if the rain has ceased it is important to wait until the ground has dried since any standing water or moisture left behind will interfere with the paving materials. One of the main components in asphalt is oil and you know what they say about mixing oil and water. The water interrupts the bonding process that must take place for the asphalt to adhere and compact properly for a strong and stable finished project. The same is true for concrete as it requires a curing process, which can be compromised by rainy weather.

 

Paving in Extreme Temperatures

The preferred temperature range for paving is between 50 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. When temperatures fall below 50 degrees it can cause the asphalt to cool down faster than it should, which affects the quality of the compaction process ultimately leading to early failure of the pavement. On the flip side, paving in extreme heat can over-soften and weaken the asphalt, which leaves the end product more susceptible to damage.

 

Paving in Colorado

Depending on the region, the best time for paving in Colorado is typically during the late spring, summer and early autumn months. Some areas have shorter windows for optimal paving weather. For the greater Denver metro area, M5 Paving is the leader in precision paving, whether it’s asphalt paving Arvada or parking lot striping Denver the team at M5 is experienced and extremely knowledgeable at creating the best possible outcome for any paving project. Reach out today for more information!